Remote starter=excuse for new tools

[signcrafter]

The girlfriends car's key fobs are junk, guess chevy has some issues with key fobs and also she doesn't like the lack of range in the factory remote start so instead of getting new key fobs we got a new remote start today. I have put in a handful in the past but it's been about 5 years since my last one.

So I thought this might be a good excuse to justify some new tools. I have a power probe 3, butane soldering iron, fluke already. What are some other common or not so common tools for installers?

 

[vintagefan]

The girlfriends car's key fobs are junk, guess chevy has some issues with key fobs and also she doesn't like the lack of range in the factory remote start so instead of getting new key fobs we got a new remote start today. I have put in a handful in the past but it's been about 5 years since my last one.

So I thought this might be a good excuse to justify some new tools. I have a power probe 3, butane soldering iron, fluke already. What are some other common or not so common tools for installers?

Snap-on PWCS7.

 

[SO/PW newbie]

I assume if the Chevy has the chip in the key, an aftermarket setup probably wouldn't work. The built in computer can make it start but an aftermarket probably won't.
I'm not 100% positive though.

 

[signcrafter]

I assume if the Chevy has the chip in the key, an aftermarket setup probably wouldn't work. The built in computer can make it start but an aftermarket probably won't.
I'm not 100% positive though.

I got the bypass modual and they programmed it for my car already. I'm friends with the owner of an audio shop so he sets me up pretty good. Printed out all the wires and locations and everything else. I've had him just install my last couple of ones but he is swamped right now.

 

[boaty3]

A set of REAL good wire strippers, I prefer to simply peel off the insulation and solder my RS wires to the factory wires as opposed to cutting any factory wires, I just don't do it! I use the strippers to cut the insulation in two places on the wire and a good razor blade to slice the insulation and then peel it off the wire, split the wire open and feed the splice wire through and twist around. A good soldering torch which you have apparently and I love my power screw driver for taking the dash apart. For a GM vehicle you really wont need the fluke but its nice to have and I have a good test light. I also have a good L.E.D. work light as it don't get hot and gives good light under the dash to work.

 

[SO/PW newbie]

I got the bypass modual and they programmed it for my car already. I'm friends with the owner of an audio shop so he sets me up pretty good. Printed out all the wires and locations and everything else. I've had him just install my last couple of ones but he is swamped right now.

Interesting. I didn't know they made modules for things like that. Good to know.

 

[signcrafter]

Interesting. I didn't know they made modules for things like that. Good to know.

I didn't know that either until the other day. You used to have to figure out the resistance and then build a series of resisters to bypass GM's security. He just asked the year and make of car and he had some dealer software that he can program the bypass to my car.